as in emphasizes
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
that TV news program plays up sensational stories just to get higher ratings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of plays up
Parmesan creamed spinach is a delight and really plays up the buttery artichoke hearts.
—
Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
If his bat plays up to expectations and potential, his bat could protect De La Cruz in the lineup.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Known for its organic womenswear, childrenswear and baby clothing, the lifestyle brand plays up well-being, transparency and responsible production.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
The Hunting Wives actress plays up her black fringe gown with a diamond necklace and smokey eye makeup.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Dave Franco, in glasses, plays up the grinning geek factor a bit too much.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
And though Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has struggled, interim head coach Mike McCoy, a former offensive coordinator, might have a few tricks plays up his sleeve to stave off a potential blowout.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
The director plays up the humor a lot more than Westlake’s callously cynical prose, for better or worse.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
So that mixed with the way Sean can draw these plays up?
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
If his bat plays up to expectations and potential, his bat could protect De La Cruz in the lineup.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Known for its organic womenswear, childrenswear and baby clothing, the lifestyle brand plays up well-being, transparency and responsible production.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
The Hunting Wives actress plays up her black fringe gown with a diamond necklace and smokey eye makeup.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Dave Franco, in glasses, plays up the grinning geek factor a bit too much.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025
And though Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has struggled, interim head coach Mike McCoy, a former offensive coordinator, might have a few tricks plays up his sleeve to stave off a potential blowout.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
The director plays up the humor a lot more than Westlake’s callously cynical prose, for better or worse.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
So that mixed with the way Sean can draw these plays up?
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plays up
Verb
-
The report emphasizes that machines are designed to minimize the use of water and to reduce energy consumption without compromising the quality of the final product.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Petrelli gives a nuanced performance that emphasizes the meaning that Thea finds in researching and writing alongside Lövborg, even if the academic and publishing worlds have no place for her.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The discovery highlights the risks taken by both those seeking freedom and those who helped them.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Indeed, the halftime show’s setting in a sugarcane field highlights the sugar and rum production in the Caribbean, industries at the heart of the Colonial systems and slave trade that shaped our history.—
Lara N. Dotson-Renta,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The ad features Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Jason Alexander, Jasmine Guy, Jaleel White, Alfonso Ribeiro and Ted Danson, all doing riffs on their past TV characters.—
Omar L. Gallaga,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Apple music features the personalized Love and Heartbreak stations, which were introduced for Valentine's Day 2024.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
However, SpaceX stresses that this tracking is no substitute for transparency on the part of satellite operators, who should remember to share data on any trajectory changes.—
David Szondy
February 07,
New Atlas,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Ceconi stresses against the use of chlorine bleach for its harsh chemical makeup.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Plays up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plays%20up. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
